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Honors an individual who not only tirelessly They serve as an inspiration to others
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A woman of faith and a true servant leader, Wanda August retired from the Ascension Parish School System as a parent facilitator in 2021. The very next day she began a new, equally fulfilling role with the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office as a deputy. Today, Wanda serves as the Deputy-Education Director at the Ascension Parish Jail. Her joyful spirit embraces inmates with a “Second Chance Approach” as she facilitates their GED and re-entry classes. Her work is producing results, with a number of inmates successfully completing the GED program.
Wanda also serves as a facilitator for the local Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group, administers parenting classes and the Triple “E” Scholars Program, which is designed to encourage, educate, and empower children ages 8-14. Her work with the Triple “E” Program has provided students many first-time experiences including flying on an airplane, riding a train, visiting colleges and universities in state and out of state, public speaking, networking, and so much more. The “Best Ever Summer Camp” is another phenomenal program she facilities for local students providing educational experiences that foster growth, development, and career exploration. She holds each of these amazing programs dear to her heart.
Wanda also serves as a community activist in Donaldsonville where she organizes several events that empower community betterment and social change. She is a member of the Ascension Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and has served two terms as president of the Bayou LaFourche Area Alumnae Chapter from 2014-2018. She was also the primary advisor of the Xi-Theta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta at Nicholls State University from 2005-2008.
Currently, Wanda is a member-at-large on the Girl Scouts Louisiana East Board of Directors, a member of the City of Donaldsonville Planning & Zoning Board, the Ascension Parish Head Start Policy Council, the Ascension Early Childhood Ready Start Network Council, the Ascension Parish Cradle to Career Foundation Board, and the Southern University Alumni Association. She was awarded the Donaldsonville Chamber of Commerce’s Teenager of the Year Award in 1984, the Honorary Sheriff Award by Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre in 2021, the Pinkie C. Wilkerson Humanitarian Award by the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus in 2023, the Donaldsonville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year Award in 2024, and Beyond the Badge’s Heart of Law Enforcement Award in 2024.
Wanda is a proud graduate of Southern University A & M College in Baton Rouge. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Radio & Television broadcasting and a master’s degree in mass media. She also earned a master’s degree in social work from Southern University in New Orleans. Wanda is known as an encourager. She encourages students in her community and the surrounding areas to further their education after high school and she promotes her Alma Mater, Southern University A & M College, by traveling often with youth to tour the campus, attend sporting events, and recruit students to attend summer programs.
Wanda’s voice is familiar to many. She has been on the airwaves of KKAY-AM 1590 radio since 1986, leading the “Angel of Faith” Broadcast that plays the best of gospel music. Wanda believes those who are blessed with great abilities, wealth, knowledge, and opportunity are expected to use these abilities in service and benefit to others. She has lived her life in this this belief, standing on the Lord’s promises and serving those in need. She is a devoted member of Emmanuel Baptist Church and a 21-year breast cancer survivor. She is the mother of the newlyweds Tre’ and Jaci Skidmore, daughter of the late Kenneth, Sr. and Bernice August, and – as the family’s only girl – she credits her brothers, Rodney, Kenneth, Jr. and Byron for embracing the “have it your way syndrome in the family.” In her words, “Greater is Coming!” for the communities and individuals she serves, and she demonstrates that heart of service and commitment daily.